Loryce Jeanne Ashby

1949 – 2026 #

Loryce Jeanne Ashby (née Buzbee) passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 77 in San Jose, CA. Affectionately known by many other names: Lory, Luigi, Lulu, Sissy, Aunt Oweo, Grandma, Reesee, Mama Reesee, Mom Ashby, and simply, yet perfectly: Mama. She is survived by her two children, David and Jacquelinn (Jacqué), five grandchildren (Jessica, Kerstin, Alicia, Andrew, and D.J.), five great-grandchildren (Destiny, Natalie, Emmalie, Tommy, and Malachi), her brother Charles (Chuck), her sister Cara, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her parents, Edith and Bascom, and her sister, Merilyn (Meri), predeceased her.

Born on March 3, 1949, and raised in San Jose, CA, Loryce graduated from Del Mar High School and attended West Valley Junior College. She married in 1968 and raised her family in Santa Clara, CA. True to her passion for all things plants, her first job was in a florist shop in Los Gatos, CA. Oh, how she loved to play in the dirt! She was an exceptional seamstress and loved helping create costumes, hair, and make-up for Halloween, Ren Faire, and many stage productions for family and friends. She loved to dance and shared that love with her children. She held various occupations throughout her working career in Silicon Valley, including Fairchild Semiconductor, the County of Santa Clara Health Department, Mervyn’s, Pretty & Plump, ITT Technology School, and Kyphon, Inc./Medtronic, Inc. After moving to Downieville, CA in 2011, she quickly became involved in the local close-knit community, helping wherever she was able. She first worked at the Grub Steak and later at the Two Rivers Gallery. She spent many days helping plan and cook a weekly meal for the local senior center. She was then persuaded to become a volunteer dispatcher for the Downieville Fire Protection District, eventually wearing many hats there, including Secretary and Bookkeeper, and was also a member of the Downieville Fire Auxiliary. She was honored by the DFPD with a proclamation upon her return to San Jose in 2023 for her years of dedication and exemplary service.

Loryce was a beloved friend, mentor, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and mother. She had a tendency to collect people and bring them into her loving realm. Always helping whoever had a need of a leg up, a firm hand, and a warm embrace. She will be greatly missed, forever in our hearts and minds.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Congregational Church of San Jose (1980 Hamilton Ave., San Jose, CA 95128) on September 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department (PO Box 25, Downieville, CA 95936), a cause near and dear to Loryce.